COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Bottle; Unfiltered.
The only self-proclaimed ‘Belgian stout’ – 9% by volume – named after famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirrot and considered a World Classic.
Made in small batches, then lagered for ten days in German oak casks.
"The Hercule is considered by many to be a classic – very malty, but dry, with a hint of sweetness in the finish, and perfectly hopped. It has a very distinctive and intoxicating spicy aroma of fresh spruce that suddenly, irresistibly, fills the room when the swing-top is released. This unique house character probably derives from the strains of yeast used by the brewery – and possibly from the fermentation in oak – because the beers are made entirely of malt and hops, without any spices or sugar."

Bottle, 330 ml. Pours jet black with a tiny sheen of light tan head, which doesn’t stick around long. Lacing is fairly thick. Aroma of roasted malt, slight cocoa, caramel, molasses, slight liquorice, earth, spices. Somewhat fresher than the usual imperial stout aroma. Taste is moderately sweet with caramel malts and cocoa coming through at the forefront with some coffee now, followed up by a fair dose of Belgian yeasty spice and lingering light bitterness. Little bit salty and with a dry finish. Body is medium, texture is oily and carbonation is minimal. Seems light for an impy but decent enough. Reviewed with blocked up nose so some of this might be inaccurate...

I’ve had this several times in a distant past, when it was still brewed in the original Ellezelloise kettles, I remember it to be a great beer. Now I had it on tap. Clear deep brown color. Dense light beige head with good retention and lacing. Aroma’s: sweet, light roast, light fruit. Hints of butter as well. Flavor is moderate sweet, caramel, light roast. Medium bodied. Drinks deceptively easy. Finishes slightly dry. Technically OK, but not a shadow of its former self.

Bottle at home. Aroma is dark malt, caramel, spicy notes, dried fruits, raisins, chocolate, with notes of liquorice. Flavour is moderate to medium sweet and moderate bitter. Body is medium. A very Belgian style Stout, like a blend of Stout and Belgian strong dark ale flavours. Not exactly how I like my Stout, but it’s an interesting beer, very different.

Pours a deep brownish black from the bottle with bubbly tan head that leaves moderate lace. Aroma of burnt caramel sugar, hint of roast, and spicy yeast notes. Taste follows with a hint of oxidation and earth behind the molasses. Not bad, but not great, I like American stouts better.

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